Police recover weapons cache in Sopore forest

Police in Jammu and Kashmir said on October 10 that a search operation in Sopore recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives concealed in a forest area.

The operation followed intelligence gathered by Sopore Police and took place in the Mukaam Cherhar forest in Baramulla district. Officers found a blue barrel and a bag hidden beneath a large boulder, according to the police account reported by The Hindu and NDTV.

A bomb disposal squad was brought in to examine the suspected explosives and handle the material safely. The reported cache included two assault rifles, pistols, a multi-grenade launcher, 11 hand grenades and remotely controlled improvised explosive devices.

Reports differ on the number of improvised explosive devices, so that total remains unclear. Police said they also recovered detonators, timers and other components.

An investigation was opened at Bomai Police Station under legislation concerning unlawful activities, arms and explosives. Police said investigators would seek to establish who owned and concealed the material and examine possible militant links. The recovery does not itself establish responsibility for any particular attack.